Our Biggest Mistakes | ✔

❝Arthur . . . was in love with Merlin.❞

It wasn't the first time Arthur caught himself staring at Merlin as he worked. He would wake up, snap at Merlin for waking him up, and then watch Merlin as he opened the blinds and got his clothes ready. He would focus on Merlin's slender form, how it's hidden under his baggy clothes. It sometimes made Arthur wonder if there was any Merlin left under those rags because, judging from his long face and slim arms, it didn't seem like there was much muscle or even fat. It didn't seem like there was much for Arthur to hold.

Arthur, though in denial of it, was in love with Merlin. Every night he'd wake up to wet trousers thinking about Merlin with him under the sheets, whispering sweet nothings to each other as they made love. He yearned for that man, roaring silently his pleas for Merlin to kiss him until he was overwhelmed with the affection.

But unfortunately, the Pendragon bloodline has a habit of getting themselves into trouble.

Arthur was married. To Guinevere. Every time Arthur would wake up from those wet dreams he'd look to his left and there Gwen would be, not Merlin. It'd be her undressed and sleeping soundly as she faced him, not Merlin. It'd be her who gave him affection, not Merlin.

Not Merlin.

Merlin opens the door to Arthur and Guinevere's chambers, not bothering to knock as he thought the couple was still asleep. He usually did this, barging into his Majesties' chambers without their knowledge, because it'd let him drown in the quiet just a little longer, as if he hadn't woken up and had to start another slow day. He has a plate of dried bread and rotten fruit--and not even a drink to wash it down--balanced on his right hand. He's surprised to see Arthur sitting up in his bed, next to a peacefully sleeping Gwen. He looks to be drowned in deep thought, probably over something Merlin shouldn't ask about.

But, with Merlin being Merlin, he does just that.

"Surprised to see you awake. What are you thinking about?" He places the plate down on the table to the left, Arthur's eyes following his movements ever so discreetly. "Nothing." He replies subconsciously, clouded not so much by Merlin's general self but by his own mind. In his head, he's contemplating whether telling Merlin he loves him and ending it with Guinevere or if he should just keep his mouth shut. I want to tell him but, Christ! How?

To distract himself from the piling stress, the king looks to the crappy food on the silver plate resting on his desk instead. "You certainly know how to treat your king." He says, his voice poisoned with sarcasm as he eyeballs the dish.

"Only the best for the best." Merlin shoots back, going over to Arthur and Gwen's closet. "Now get up, eat up, and get changed."

"What about Guinevere's breakfast?" Arthur asks as he stretches his legs out and hulls himself out of bed.

"Her breakfast is still being put together. Bread, cheese, ham, veggies, and fruit." Merlin smiles cheekily as he pulls Arthur's classic red tunic from the closet. Arthur narrows his eyes, picking up the dried bread and rotten fruit in one hand. "You are completely unbiased between your Majesties, I see."

"Only the best for the best," Merlin repeats smugly. Arthur throws the bread and fruit at him.